Feature Image: Members of the Brownsville Navigation District were joined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NextDecade and elected officials to mark the completion of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project on June 25. Image: Port of Brownsville.
Posted: 6-29-2026
Brownsville (Cameron County) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District, the Brownsville Navigation District (BND), which operates the Port of Brownsville, and NextDecade celebrated the completion of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 25.
The project deepened the Brownsville Ship Channel by an additional 10 feet, increasing the entrance and jetty channels from 44 feet to 54 feet and the main channel from 42 feet to 52 feet. The completed project places the Port of Brownsville among Texas’ deepest deep-draft ports, and the Brownsville Ship Channel among the deepest navigation channels in the Gulf region.
The deeper channel improves maritime access for larger vessels carrying heavier cargo, increases navigation safety, reduces transit times and strengthens the role of South Texas in the nation’s maritime supply chain.
“Today’s completion is more than a navigation milestone – it’s a strategic investment in America’s economic strength,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. George H. Walter, USACE Southwestern Division commander. “This deeper, safer federal channel expands our capacity for international trade, strengthens critical energy infrastructure and demonstrates how modern infrastructure can advance both economic security and U.S. energy dominance.”
Designated in June 2019 as one of four nationwide USACE Public-Private Partnership pilot projects and the only navigation project selected, the Brazos Island Harbor project demonstrates how federal, local and private partners can combine resources and expertise to accelerate the delivery of major public infrastructure.
The project included deepening the channel, dredging berthing areas, improving dredged material placement areas, and installing updated navigation aids. The Port of Brownsville is also expected to invest an additional $50 million in related landside port improvements. For the Brownsville Navigation District, completion of the project advances a long-term vision for the port and the region it serves.
The Port of Brownsville serves as the project’s non-federal sponsor, and NextDecade participated as the private partner. With construction complete, the deeper channel reduces operational limitations associated with the former channel depth and allows vessels to carry more cargo.
“The deeper channel changes what the Port of Brownsville can do operationally,” Dietrich said. “It increases our ability to accommodate larger, more fully loaded vessels, improve cargo efficiency and compete for maritime business that previously faced depth limitations.”
Beyond its operational benefits, the project strengthens a strategic maritime gateway near the U.S.-Mexico border. Improved vessel access and port efficiency support more reliable international trade flows and the movement of energy products, industrial materials, and other critical cargo.
Edited from news release.
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